The Worst Advice You Could Ever Get About Pigeon Forge

[Renwick Sumiko]

The septic system is designed to collect and dispose off human waste and drain water. The leach field, also called the drainfield, absorbs the wastewater that leaves the tank. When the septic tank is not maintained, there is a high chance that it can get clogged, here creating a toxic environment. Regular maintenance is the only way to prevent this disastrous scenario.

™

Take a look at what is involved in maintaining your septic tank.

Pump the Tank Regularly

Do not wait until the drainfield is soggy or the sewage is backing up into your home. Instead establish a septic tank pumping and inspection routine. Typically, the tank should be pumped and inspected every two to five years, depending on the usage. If the usage is heavy, opt for more frequent pumping and inspection. This will keep your tank healthy and prevent backups and soggy leach field.

Pump The Tank Annually If You Use Garbage Disposal

If you have installed a garbage grinder in your kitchen, it is prudent to pump the tank every year. This is because the ground waste, such as bone and meat scraps and cellulose from vegetables do not dissolve in the tank. This can cause your tank or drainfield to clog. Many septic experts state that it is best to remove the garbage grinder and use kitchen waste to make compost. This increases the life of the septic tank.

Install A Septic Tank Outlet Filter

Floating particles, hair and other lightweight particles can enter the leach field, causing it to clog. However, you can prevent this from happening by installing a filter at the septic outlet. This filter will catch these floating, lightweight particles. If you worry about grease then look for a filter that can trap floating grease with ease along with other small and light particulate matter.

Refrain from Using Disinfecting Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaners

Everyone wants their toilet bowl to be always clean and hygienic. However, using automatic release disinfectants in your toilet bowl can wreak havoc with your septic system. The chemicals, especially bleach and other acidic compounds, will kill the beneficial bacterial in the system. These bacteria break down the waste. This is also the reason why you should stay away from harsh household cleaners. While you may not be able to completely stop using these cleaners, it is best to minimize their usage.

Don't Add Synthetic Additives to the Septic System

The septic system does not need any additive. Human waste contains sufficient amount of bacteria to ensure it is broken down. These bacteria are helped by the naturally present microorganisms in the soil. If you use additives, they will remove solids from the tank but into the leach field. As a result, the drainfield will get clogged, causing the system to fail.

When it comes to septic tank maintenance, it is best to hire a professional plumber so that they can carry out a thorough inspection and take the necessary steps to prevent a complete disaster.

You already know that when you flush the toilet, pour water in your sink or empty the tub the water goes somewhere. But have you ever stopped to think about where it goes or what happens to it? Large cities have equally large and complicated sewage or water treatment systems designed to salvage as much of the useable water from the waste as possible. If, however, you are like 25% of Canadians and you live in a smaller or rural community, you are more likely to have a septic system on your property than you are to share a sewer with neighbors.

What is a Septic System?

A private onsite septic system is designed to be functional and sanitary. It basically receives all the water waste that is expelled through your home's plumbing and treats it to extract the useable water waste that can be absorbed by the soil on the property. In a nutshell, a septic tank separates solid waste from liquids. The solid waste is stored in the septic tank. Solid waste exists in two forms - a top layer of grease referred to as scum, and a bottom layer of solids more commonly known as sludge. In a septic tank, the liquids that are separated from solid waste are called effluent and they are dispersed throughout the soil on the property by a mechanism called a leaching system. The leaching system is a part of the septic system, which is often buried just a few feet away from the septic tank. The leaching system helps the effluent flow from the septic tank into the soil.

In a Nutshell?

A septic tank receives the wastewater that comes from regular use of household plumbing and treats it until it is at a safe environmental level. Then the septic ank returns the serviceable portion - known as the waste effluent to the soil surrounding the property.

An Outline of the Septic System

Below is a general outline of the main components of any septic system:

- Sewer line - this is the main waste line leading from your home's plumbing to the septic tank

- Septic tank - this is the underground tank that receives and treats your home's waterwaste

- Leaching system - this is the drainage system that allows for waste effluent to be dispersed into the soil

Now that you have a basic understanding of how a septic tank works, you should note that if you are considering buying a home with a septic tank, you should inspect the tank before investing in the home.

Beware of Old Septic Tanks

Because buying a home is a huge investment, you have a home inspector inspect the property before you close the deal. Similarly, septic systems are very expensive, and thus, you should make sure to inspect the system properly or have it inspected so that you know what you are getting into. If your home is older, it may have a septic tank made out of steel or wood. If that's the case, you will definitely be looking at replacing that septic tank.

Tanks made out of steel inevitably rust and end up needing to be replaced. Similarly, septic tanks made out of wood will end up rotting and also needing to be replaced. These days, septic tanks are manufactured out of concrete, fiberglass or polyethylene. These materials have proven to be more durable and efficient. If the home you are considering buying has an older septic tank made of wood or steel, you can decide to use it as a negotiating point or move on to a different house to save yourself the headache.